KABUL - As war-hit Kunduz city in northern Afghanistan slowly returns to normal following its fall to the Taliban almost two months ago, President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday vowed to improve its security and strengthen local governance.

During his day-long visit to the city, Ghani also announced the dismissal of National Directorate of Security chief for Kunduz - because of what officials described as incompetence in the run up to the siege.

The president also warned that some officials will be investigated over additional lapses in security in the city.

But as insurgents continue to clash with security forces in some areas of the province, Ghani warned them of severe repercussions unless they lay down their arms and join the government's peace process.

This development comes just days after the Kunduz fact-finding team submitted its final report on the fall of the city – saying the primary reason was the lack of coordination between government leadership and the National Security Council (NSC) that led to the crisis.

The fall of Kunduz was followed by a major backlash from the Afghan opposition groups and the general public.

But in addressing Kunduz residents on Thursday , Ghani announced that his government will endorse the report of the Kunduz fact-finding committee.

"The NDS was fully incompetent, and security officials committed negligence while on duty. Today I dismissed them from the job. Based on the military law, legal action will be taken against some of them and new cadres will be appointed for the Kunduz intelligence agency department," Ghani said.

Ghani did however urge residents to put forward their suggestions and perspectives on the appointment of new officials for the province. He asked residents to give the government three more weeks to clear the province from insurgents.

"The entire personnel of the local police will come under the command of provincial police departments. They (local police) will be accountable to government. I want to give the last warning to illegal armed groups to join the security forces or face action. No group is allowed to collect levies from the people in Kunduz," he said.

Deeply concerned by rumors about Taliban recruiting children and teenagers in Kunduz, residents on Thursday asked the government to take firm steps to eliminate the Taliban in their area.

"The concerning issue is that Taliban confiscated tanks and armed vehicles from security forces and the group will likely use them against us," acting governor of Kunduz Ahmadullah Danish said.

Unemployment and dire economic issues are problems faced by many people in Kunduz.

"Mr President - create jobs for our educated youths and how it is possible to save Kunduz with only four police stations," head of Kunduz provincial council Yousuf Ayoubi said. (Tolonews)